Reflections on a Meaningful Semester: A Letter from President Rooney

As the president of a small nonprofit college, I encounter my fair share of challenges. Yet, despite the obstacles, I am continually reminded of the privilege it is to be part of this academic community. Just a few weeks ago, I presided over our graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025—a moment that never fails to reaffirm why I do this work. Graduation remains the most uplifting and joyous responsibility of my role. Seeing the smiles of proud, confident graduates—students we have watched grow and persevere—fills me with immense pride. Their futures are now wide open: new careers, new cities, new experiences, and the unfolding story of adulthood. In those moments, as they embrace family and friends with pure excitement, every challenge I face feels small. Their confidence and sense of accomplishment are clear reminders that we prepared them well.

Shortly after graduation comes the end of the fall semester for our current students—many of whom are still very much in the thick of late-night studying, final projects, and exams. Their reality is different. Finals week rarely inspires joy; instead, it brings stress, anticipation, and a bit of dread, even for the well-prepared. But this pressure has purpose. Growth, resilience, and confidence are earned through hard work, persistence, and overcoming discomfort. While students may simply view finals as an obstacle between them and winter break, this challenging stretch is a meaningful part of the journey—one that will ultimately make graduation day feel so deeply rewarding.

I remember my own university holiday breaks many years ago. I suspect today’s students feel that same rush of relief and excitement once the semester ends. The holiday season—whatever it means to each individual—is a time to rest, reconnect, and regain balance. It offers freedom from deadlines, early morning lectures, and academic expectations, replacing them with family traditions, old friends, and moments of reflection. Whether lively or quiet, the break provides a chance to breathe, reset, and simply be.

Before long, the New Year arrives, and with it the return to campus. Many students look forward to being back—reuniting with friends, settling into new courses, and continuing their academic and personal growth. For others, especially first-year students, returning can feel daunting. Homesickness is real, and comfort takes time. Some students may even consider leaving, believing the adjustment is too difficult. After nearly forty years in higher education, I can say with confidence: this feeling is normal—and temporary. My advice has always been the same—give it a full year. More often than not, the second semester is transformative. Friendships deepen, routines become familiar, and campus begins to feel like a second home. If after that year a student realizes the college is not the right fit, that is perfectly valid. But in most cases, those who stay discover the path they were meant to walk.

As we close out the semester and prepare for the season ahead, I encourage everyone to reflect on the successes, challenges, lessons, and memories of the past few months. College goes by faster than anyone expects. The friendships made, the late-night conversations, the hard-won achievements, and even the struggles become stories you will carry with you long after commencement. This chapter of life cannot be replicated—only lived.

So my final message is simple: embrace it. Work hard, rest well, be present, and enjoy the journey—because these are the days you’ll remember.